[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 9 (Wednesday, February 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH THE ATCHAFALAYA NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA IN 
                               LOUISIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD H. BAKER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2005

  Mr. BAKER. Mr. Speaker, Atchafalaya refers to both a river and a 
large wetlands region of Louisiana; the name derives from the Choctaw 
hacha falaia, meaning ``Long River.'' The river itself serves as a 
major tributary of the Mississippi and Red rivers, and runs through a 
swampy wetlands called the Atchafalaya Basin, which is about 20 miles 
in width and 150 in length. The Atchafalaya Basin is rich with 
wildlife, including three hundred bird species, as well as crawfish, 
shrimp, crabs, frogs, snakes, nutrias, beavers, raccoons, foxes, 
alligators, and black bears. Since the 18th century, Cajun fishermen 
and trappers have depended on the basin and river for their livelihoods 
and culture. Today, I rise with all my colleagues from Louisiana to 
offer legislation to preserve this unique area of natural, cultural, 
historic and recreational resource as a National Heritage Area.
  This legislation will designate the Atchafalaya Trace Commission as 
the local coordinating entity of the Heritage Area. In 1997, the 
Atchafalaya Trace Commission was created by the Louisiana Legislature 
and was charged with planning and managing the Atchafalaya Heritage 
Area to help our communities save important cultural and natural 
resources. I support their mission to enhance the positive benefits of 
tourism and create a sustainable, healthy economy. I commend the 
Atchafalaya Trace Commission in their leadership in preservation and 
advocacy on behalf of the Atchafalaya Heritage Area.
  Mr. Speaker, the legislation that I submit today also establishes a 
procedure for the voluntary inclusion of private property in the 
Heritage Area. I believe this is important in balancing both public and 
private interests in such a diverse natural and cultural area.
  In conclusion, I believe the establishment of the Atchafalaya 
National Heritage Area will provide the direction and resources needed 
to maintain what the area has to offer for generations to come. I look 
forward to working with my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
to pass this important legislation.




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